Displays of Affection in Art

Displays of affection in art are commonplace. Back in the early 14th century, Giotto di Bondone painted Cappella Scrovegni (the Arena Chapel) in Padua with what is now considered one of the first kisses in the history of art.

Dedicated to Santa Maria della Carità at the Feast of the Annunciation in 1305, Giotto’s the Cappella Scrovegni fresco focused on the Virgin, celebrating her role in human salvation.

This month, we feature somewhat more modern versions of displays of affection in art, including the kisses and cuddles that made the artists the world-renowned people they are today.

 

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Here’s some stats from September’s top 5 posts, as at the 30th:

• “The Train Station” and “The Embrace“ were posted to X on September 6th, 2023. It was viewed 1.8 MILLION times and reposted 8,346 times. It was also liked by our audiences 46K times and bookmarked 2,786 times.
• The Kiss was posted to X on September 1st, 2023. It was viewed 1.4 MILLION times and reposted 5,493 times. It was also liked by our audiences 37.9K times and bookmarked 1,829 times.
• The Storm was posted to X on September 27th, 2023. It was viewed 539.3K times and reposted 2,753 times. It was also liked by our audiences 18.3K times and bookmarked 615 times.

Join millions of other art connoisseurs just like yourself on our X account here: @AcademiaAesthe1.

 

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The Kiss – Francesco Hayez – 1859 – Italy

The Kiss is a painting of affection, as seen in the Middle Ages. It is renowned for being one of the most emotionally charged depictions of a kiss in Western art history.

Hayez’s “The Kiss” was one of four images captured in this X post.

 

Romeo and Juliet – Frank Dicksee – 1844 – UK

This poignant depiction of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the painting reflects the underlying frustration, tragedy, and lust that sums up the play of the same name.

Dicksee’s “Romeo and Juliet” is the second of the four images featured from this X post.

 

The Storm – Pierre Auguste Cot – 1880 – France

The Storm was commissioned by the famous philanthropist and art collector, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe. Also known as La Tempête, it’s currently on display at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 

“I have begun to paint more couples because when someone is watching you, or when you are with someone, you are in a way defending your personality. When you are wearing your public face you become a different character and it’s very interesting for an artist to study people in that way.”
– Fabian Perez

 

The Train Station – Fabian Perez – 2023 – USA

The Train Station reflects the human condition, a litany of unique stories and experiences, as told from a place of hope, possibility, and new beginnings.

Perez’s “The Train Station” was one of two images captured in this X post.

 

The Embrace – Fabian Perez – 2023 – USA

The Embrace series of paintings are a celebration of human love, a reminder that love is the most powerful force in the universe and has the power to heal.

Perez’s “The Embrace II” is the second of the two images featured from this X post.

 

 

Thank you for reading. ​

The Curator